Oceania Football Center

New Caledonia’s AS PTT beats Solomon Islands’ Mataks to win OFC Futsal Champions League

In an electrifying showcase of futsal prowess, AS PTT emerged triumphant in a nail-biting finale against Mataks FC, seizing the coveted crown of the second edition of the OFC Futsal Men’s Champions League held in New Caledonia.

The exhilarating clash unfolded at the Arene du Sud in Paita, near Noumea, where nearly 2,000 fervent supporters filled the arena to capacity, igniting an atmosphere charged with anticipation and fervor.

AS PTT’s journey to glory culminated in a spectacular 4-3 victory over Mataks FC, a testament to their unwavering skill and determination on the court. The match reached a crescendo when Christ Pei etched his name in the annals of futsal history with a breathtaking bicycle kick goal, propelling AS PTT to a 3-2 lead with just over four minutes remaining. This moment of brilliance was swiftly followed by Jymaẽl Upa’s decisive tap-in, securing the championship for AS PTT amidst a tumultuous roar of celebration from their loyal supporters.

The showdown between these formidable opponents had been foreshadowed by a captivating 1-1 draw during round-robin play earlier in the tournament, setting the stage for a showdown of epic proportions.

From the outset, the intensity of the game was palpable, with both sides displaying a formidable array of skills and tactics. AS PTT seized the initiative with an early goal from Upa in the 5th minute, sending the home crowd into a frenzy of jubilation. However, Mataks FC swiftly retaliated, courtesy of a moment of brilliance from their captain, Ellis Mana, leveling the scores and setting the stage for a fiercely contested battle.

As the game progressed, Emmanuel Hmaen’s clinical finish in the 23rd minute provided AS PTT with a slender lead, only to be nullified by Clifford Misitana’s equalizer for Mataks FC. With the tension mounting and the prospect of extra time looming, Pei’s awe-inspiring goal tilted the scales decisively in AS PTT’s favor, paving the way for their eventual triumph.

Mataks FC demonstrated remarkable resilience in the dying moments of the game, as Billy Afi’s late goal injected a final surge of drama into the proceedings. However, it was AS PTT who emerged victorious, etching their name in futsal regional scenario with a thrilling 4-3 triumph.

New Caledonia players celebrate their glory – *OFC Media*

In the battle for bronze, Vanuatu’s UNV FC showcased their mettle with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Suva FC from Fiji, securing a podium finish in a fiercely contested encounter.

The conclusion of the OFC Futsal Men’s Champions League marked a fitting climax to an exhilarating tournament, showcasing the finest talents and exhilarating moments that futsal has to offer. AS PTT’s crowning achievement stands as a testament to their skill, determination, and unwavering spirit in pursuit of glory on the futsal regional stage.

Solomon Islands football star Ileen Pegi goes to the history books

In a groundbreaking move for women’s football, Solomon Islands’ own Ileen Pegi has etched her name in history by becoming the first female footballer to secure an international transfer deal from Koloale FC to AS Feminine of New Caledonia, the current runners-up of the OFC Women’s Champions League. The info was confirmed by Solomon Islands Football Federation.

Pegi, renowned for her goal-scoring prowess and blistering speed on the attack, has captured the attention of AS Feminine, the reigning champions of the French territory. The deal marks a significant milestone not only for Pegi but for the entire landscape of women’s football in the Solomon Islands.

Her new journey will see her featuring in the top division of women’s football in New Caledonia, competing in the New Caledonian women’s national championship. AS Feminine boasts an impressive track record, having clinched the New Caledonia National Championship three times, the New Caledonia Cup four times, and emerging triumphant in the inaugural OFC Women’s Champions League in 2023.

Pegi’s contributions to her local club, Koloale FC, have been immense. She played a pivotal role in securing the Solrais Women’s Premier League title in 2022 and led her team to represent the Solomon Islands at the OFC Women’s Champions League in 2023. Notably, she also captained the squad that finished as runners-up in the recent OFC Women’s Olympic Qualifiers, losing to New Zealand in the final.

At 31 years old, Pegi’s transfer can mean new era for women’s football, underlining the increasing recognition and valuation of Solomon Islands players in the global and regional football community. Her departure is a testament to the talent emerging from the Solomon Islands’ football scene also in the women’s football – in the men’s scene a number of players already played overseas even in full professional enviroment such as Benjamin Totori, Micah Lea’alafa and most recently Raphael Lea’i.

Recognizing her exceptional talent and contributions, Pegi was bestowed with the prestigious title of the 2023 Solomon Islands Female Player of the Season. As she embarks on this new chapter in her career, she aims to continue captivating fans with her skills while striving for success with her new club on the pitch.

Japanese Kohei Matsumoto debuts for Warriors as Telekom-S League 2024/25 starts in Solomon Islands

The new season of the most important football league of the Solomon Islands has started this weekend in Honiara. Six matches were played in Saturday (27th Apr) and Sunday (28th Apr) to kick-off the league that will once again count on 12 teams in the competition.

One of the highlights of the weekend was in the match of the reigning champions Solomon Warriors against the new-looking Real Kakamora side; Warriors captained by Vanuatu midfielder John Alick had to fight hard to overcome the reinforced team of Kakamora that counted on players such as the former Solomon Islands youth international Phillip Ropa and Paul Francis. To grab all points of the game, Warriors saw the debut of the Japanese player Kohei Matsumoto, the former Malampa Revivors and Hamilton Wanderers full-back is expected to be a key factor for the Franco Ne’e coached-side in order to defend the title in the new season.

Matusmoto (right) playing for Warriors – *Solomon Warriros Media*

Wearing the no.19 alongside another key player as Jaygray Sipakana and Gagame Feni, Matsumoto helped his side to start the season with a win. The 34-year-old player sustained a serious eye-injury when playing for Hamilton Wanderers in New Zealand, after a big period sidelined, the Japanese recovered from the injury but is forced to use proctetive glasses to play.

In the other matches of the first round of the Telekom S-League, Southern United overcame Honiara City by 3-2, Central Coast beat by 6-1 SOSA FC, Laugu United won by 5-0 Juniper Tree FC, Marist ended with a strong 5-1 win over Kossa and Waneagu and Henderson Eels draw in 1-1.

Competition continues this Wednesday (01st May) with matches being played at East End Stadium and Lawson Tama Stadium.

PNG: Kapuls’ Troy Dobbin leaves for Australia to join National Premier League side

It has been informed by PRK Gulf Komara FC from Port Moresby on its social media account that the attacker Troy Dobbin will leave the club to pursue overseas challenges in Australia.
“Our very own KOMARA BLOOD Troy Dobbin left this Morning for Brisbane, Australia […] Troy was one of our junior players drafted into Komara in 2019 as a 17 year old. He Left for a few seasons due to studies and returned to the Club last season, 2023“, wrote Komara on its social media.

Dobbin is set to join Lions FC in Brisbane; the club currently plays in the National Premier League in Queensland region and is a well-known club in the competition. Currently Lions is sitting second in the table of the NPL Queensland just three points behind the top-placed side.

Troy Dobbin (yellow) playing for Papua New Guinea

The forward has international experience for his country playing for the U23 team and most recently he made his full international debut for Papua New Guinea in the FIFA Series in Sri Lanka where the Kapuls played against the hosts and the Central African Republic, drawing 0-0 against Sri Lanka and losing by 4-0 to the African side; Dobbin played in both of the games.

It is a rare opportunity for a local-developped player in the country to pursue a career overseas – the first step into professionalism. It comes down now to the development of Dobbin in Brisbane in order to excel in his career and open the door for more Papua New Guineans to arrive in semi-pro NPL system.

Roy Krishna scores against his former team in Indian Super League semifinal first leg

The Fijian hero Roy Krishna continues to make waves in India; the 36-year-old striker put an impressive performance against his former team Mohun Bagan in Indian Super League semifinal to give his Odisha a slight advantage for the return match to be played in Kolkata.

Krishna, that already was instrumental for his side to reach this stage in the national league, had to help his side to overcome an early deficit as Manvir Singh scored for Mohun Bagan just at the third minute of play. But still in the first half Carlos Delgado managed to level the score and then the Fijian captain completed the comeback at the 39th minute.

Krishna celebrates his goal against his former team – *ISL Media*

Mohun Bagan’s striker Armando Sadiku was sent-off at the 67th minute of the game, but Odisha could not take advantage of the situation as the game goalscorer Carlos Delgado was also sento-off just seven minutes later.

Krishna’s goal proved to be decisive; it ended up giving final numbers to the scoreline and sends Odisha in place to compete for a spot in the grand final of the Indian Super League – competition that Krishna already won in the past. The decisive clash for Odisha and Mohun Bagan will be played this Sunday, April 28th, at Salt Lake Stadium.

Brian Kaltak’s Central Coast Mariners advances to AFC Cup grand final

Vanuatu’s international Brian Kaltak played all 90 minutes of the match of his Central Coast Mariners against FK Abdysh-Ata Kant in the second leg of the AFC Cup interzonal semi-final held in Gosford, Australia. His side had to fight hard to beat the Central Asian side, but ended up with a 3-0 victory that sealed their spot to the grand final match of the AFC Cup. In the first leg Kaltak even scored CCM’s goal in the 1-1 draw, but the job was finally done at home and now they advance to the grand final looking for its first ever international trophy.

Miguel Di Pizio was the man of the match scoring twice in the late minutes of the game; the other goal was scored by the Brazilian full-back Mikael Doka. Now the current A-League champions will face Lebanon’s side Al-Ahed on 5th May in a venue that is still to be confirmed.

Kaltak already created history for Vanuatu and the South Pacific as a whole after becoming the first ever South Pacific Islander to win the A-League in the last season for the same Central Coast Mariners, now he can turn also into the first ever South Pacific Islander to win an international competition out of the Oceania Football Confederation.

In the current season in Australia top-tier league, Kaltak’s side also confirmed the spot in the upcoming AFC Champions League Elite, that is the most important club competition of the continent for the 2024/25 season – AFC Cup is the second most important comepetition, but it will be discontinued from the next season being replaced by the AFC Champions League 2.

Roy Krishna shines in India to help Odisha proceed to Indian Super League semifinals

Fijian football superstar Roy Krishna continues to make his impact in India as he helped his side Odisha FC to reach the semifinal stage of the Indian Super League. Krishna is one of the best performes of his team so far in the season, scoring 12 goals in 23 matches – the second most in the 2023/24 season.

This friday Odisha hosted Kerala Blasters vying for a place in top-four of the league. Krishna was instrumental for the success of his team that won the match by 2-1. Odisha came from behind as Lithuanian striker Fedor Cernych scored for Blasters at the 67th minute, but in the last minutes of regulation time Krishna set up Brazilian striker Diego Maurício that scored for Odisha, levelling the game just three minutes before time.

Roy Krishna in action against Blasters – *ISL Media*

As the game progressed to the extra-time, the 36-year-old Fijian player proved to be vital once more as this time he assisted for the comeback goal scored by Isak Vanlalruatfela at the 98th minute.

Vanlalruatfela goal proved to be difference between both sides. With two assists the Fijian has now three in the season; Krishna was crucial for his side that will now play Mohun Bagan – Krishna’s former club in India – a two-legged battle for a chance to play the grand final of the most important football league in the country.

Tongan football celebrates famous victory over Papua New Guinea as they finish second at U-16 OFC Men’s Championship – Qualifying Stage

Tonga’s victory over Papua New Guinea in the U-16 OFC Men’s Championship Qualifying Stage at Teufaiva Stadium, Nuku’alofa, was more than just a win; it was a historic milestone for Tongan football. The 7-0 triumph not only showcased their potential but also highlighted the growing talent within the Tongan youth ranks.

At the forefront of this remarkable victory was Tevita Falepapalangi, a budding star at just 15 years old. His four-goal haul, two in each half, not only demonstrated his prowess on the field but also hinted at a promising future for Tongan football. Tevita comes from a football family, with both his father Halapua and his brother Tuiaketau having already represented Tonga at the senior national level. Overall, Tevita had scored a total of five goals in the three matches played in the championship.

Alongside Tevita Falepapalangi, Sione ‘Ainu’u scored from the penaly spot in the stoppage time of the first half before the same Tevita was brought down in the box and the speedy winger Siaki Lonitenisi scored twice in the second half to give final numbers to the hummiliation imposed by the local side to the young Kapuls.

The significance of this victory goes beyond the scoreline. It represents a breakthrough for Tonga, marking the first time they have ever defeated a Papua New Guinean team in a men’s football international tournament. This achievement will undoubtedly boost morale within the Tongan football community and inspire future generations of players.

Tongan players celebrate one of their seven goals in the match – *OFC Media*

However, Tonga’s success shouldn’t overshadow the challenges faced by their opponents. Papua New Guinea’s football administration issues have undoubtedly affected their performance on the field, as evidenced by their conceding 22 goals in just three matches – despite winning one of the three games played, a 3-1 win over American Samoa.

Tonga’s victory is cause for celebration, but their failure to qualify for the final stage of the competition serves as a reminder that there is still a lot to improve to challenge the most important football nations in the region. Solomon Islands’ dominance in the group, winning all three games and scoring 29 goals while conceding none, underscores the level of competition Tonga faces on their journey to success – although finishing second in the ladder states the historical achievement for the youth Tu’ulalupe.

This historical feat by the young Tongan team led by the experienced coach Timote Moleni can not be their peak; the football is a growing sport in the Kingdom and, as in Rugby, Tonga certainly wants to enjoy some success in the upcoming years in football – this young players must be part of this process.

Auckland City takes narrow lead over Wellington Olympic in first leg of OFC Champions League Qualifier

The stage was set for another chapter in a heated rivalry as Auckland City FC and Wellington Olympic AFC locked horns at Kiwitea Street Stadium on a bright, sunny Saturday in Auckland.

The Navy Blues secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Wellington Olympic AFC in a tightly contested first leg of the New Zealand National Playoff for the 2024 OFC Champions League. The match saw both sides battle it out in a fast-paced encounter.

Even more surprisingly, the 17-year-old prodigy, Stipe Ukich, made a stellar impact by coming off the bench and securing Auckland City’s triumph with a remarkable goal.

First half – 0x0

The opening seconds of the game crackled with intensity. Just 20 seconds into the match, Auckland City’s plea for a penalty was dismissed when Regont Muratti went down in the box.

Wellington Olympic responded swiftly, with Oliver Colloty (number 10) finding space in the area at the 7-minute mark. His shot, however, took a deflection and was comfortably saved by the Auckland City goalkeeper, Conor Tracey.

Auckland City pressed high in the early stages, exploiting Wellington Olympics’ midfield errors. They dominated possession until around the 19th minute, with Liam Gillion and left-back Nathan Lobo on the left flank particularly impressive. Their link-up play created Auckland City’s best chance so far.

Nathan Lobo with the ball, one of the best players of the match – *Sergio Toniello, Oceania Football Center*

However, Wellington Olympic showed their attacking prowess on a dangerous counter-attack. The speedy Kallan Gould weaved past three Auckland City defenders before finding Hamish Watson with a well-placed pass. Watson’s shot narrowly missed the target, whistling past the right post.

The first half continued with a mix of misplaced passes and wayward shots from both sides. Auckland City coach Albert Riera made tactical adjustments around the 30-minute mark, urging his players to utilise the width of the pitch and for Gillion to exploit space behind the Wellington Olympic right-back.

Ryes attempted a header but failed to find the target, sending the ball wide – Sergio Toniello, Oceania Football Center

The most significant chance of the first half came shortly before the break. Ryan De Vries found Liam Gillion with a pinpoint pass.

Gillion cut inside his marker and unleashed a shot towards the bottom left corner, forcing a superb save from Wellington Olympic goalkeeper Scott Basalaj.

Second Half – 1×0

The second half began with renewed energy. The Navy Blues looked to extend their lead, with Dylan Manickum receiving a good pass and firing a shot that went wide.

A fast answer came from Kallan Gould testing the Auckland City goalkeeper attention with a powerful effort that sailed over the bar.

The remainder of the half was a balanced affair, with both teams creating sporadic opportunities. Wellington Olympic attempted to exploit the right flank through their speedy full-back Jack-Henry Sinclair, who caused some problems for the Auckland City defense.

Both sides began to show signs of fatigue around the 63rd minute, prompting substitutions aimed at injecting fresh energy. Despite Auckland’s increased attacking momentum, Wellington Olympic nearly snatched an equalizer at the 66th minute.

Striker Hamish Watson found space in midfield and played a pass to the left flank for Kaelin Nguyen, whose shot across goal was comfortably saved by the goalkeeper Conor Tracey.

However, the adage “fortune favors the bold” proved true. Auckland City’s persistence paid off.

The introduction of young substitute Stipe Ukich proved decisive in the game. At 71-minute, a pinpoint pass from Nathan Lobo found Ukich in a dangerous position, and he coolly slotted home the game’s only goal, sparking jubilation among the Auckland City supporters.

Auckland players celebrating after young Ukich scores for the home team – Sergio Toniello, Oceania Football Center

Following the goal, Wellington Olympic responded by pushing for an equalizer. However, their urgency was evident in their play, with a lack of composure hindering their efforts.

Auckland City’s defense remained resolute, making a crucial block in the 86th minute to deny Wellington a promising scoring opportunity.

The closing moments saw substitutions from both sides, with tensions rising on the sidelines. A heated exchange between the Auckland City technical staff and Wellington representatives resulted in a red card being shown to a member of the Auckland City staff.

Despite the late drama, the final whistle blew on a 1-0 victory for Auckland City. The home fans celebrated a hard-fought result that gives them a narrow lead heading into the second leg.

2nd Leg – Wellington Olympic x Auckland City

With the score locked at 1-0, all eyes now turn to Wellington for the second leg. Can Olympic maintain their winning streak and claim victory on home soil, or will Auckland City manage to defend their lead and secure their place in the OFC Champions League? The return leg, on March 16, promises to be another exciting chapter in this developing rivalry.

Raphael Lea’i is the hero for Solomon Islands with a late hattrick to beat PNG at MSG Prime Minister Cup opener

Solomon Islands’ superstar Raphael Lea’i was the hero for the Bonitos in their opener of MSG Prime Minister Cup against Papua New Guinea at Stade Numa Daly, Nouméa. Papua New Guinea, coming from a football crisis in home soil, had the opportunity to give a different view to local fans about the Kapuls. Despite being currently the title holders of the competition, Papua New Guinea’s last international match was the resounding 10-0 loss against Malaysia in friendly match.

The veteran striker Raymond Gunemba scored first for PNG at the 51st minute, but the bright of Lea’i shone strong in the final ten minutes of the game: despite being one man down after Marist’s Calvin Ohasio was sent off, Solomon Islands still managed to level through Rapha at the 80th minute and put Solomon Islands ahead at the 86th mark. The striker was always a threat and with his speed and he ran past Papua New Guinea’s defenders and scored his third – the second hattrick for the 20-year-old player donning the colours of his country.

Raphael Lea’i (green) marked by Tommy Semmy (yellow) – *Alain Vartane*

Lea’i has now nine goals scored for the senior national team in 10 appearances; the team led by the Spanish head coach Felipe Vega-Arango will return to action this Tuesday (Oct, 11th) against Vanuatu that suffered a heavy defeat for New Caledonia by 4-0 on both sides first clash of the tournament.

Recently, th e striker left his club FK Velež Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina – despite being still under contract with the European club – after being granted permission by the club to return to Solomon Islands to attend international duties. There are stills doubts regarding the future club the star striker will feature, but which is certain at this point is the gallant form the player is currently enjoying.